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Friday, July 11, 2008

EVERY LITTLE HELPS

TWO SUPERMARKETS' own label single malts have beaten several branded whiskies to take an international title.

Tesco's 12-year-old Highland Single Malt, which sells for £15.58, beat names such as Laphroaig, Glenmorangie and Glenkinchie at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awards.

The Tesco win came in the Anglo Overseas Trophy for the best single malt whisky up to 15 years old in the blind tasting. Sainsbury's also won a Gold (best in class) for its own-label 10-year-old Islay Malt.

The competition is run each year and all wines, spirits and liqueurs that are entered are tasted in groups.

Tesco senior buyer Simon Dunn said: "This award will come as a real shock to the centuries-old whisky industry which is not noted for its keen appreciation of supermarket varieties. To beat world renowned whiskies such as Laphroaig and Glenmorangie is some achievement and will hopefully help encourage all malt lovers to try it. " Judges at the IWSC rated the Tesco whisky for its "very attractive nose, ripe fruit notes and vanilla and sweet spice following".

Detailed analysis is carried out by the IWSC on all award- winning drinks to ensure they have the same high quality when they reach the consumer as when judging panels originally tasted them.

A spokesman for IWSC added: "Leading Scottish whiskies including Talisker, Highland Park, Lagavulin, Bunnahabhain, Laphroaig and the Glenlivet all performed well, picking up gold medals across their ranges " Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.